Han Hyo-joo looks forward to Dong Yi

by javabeans

With the airdate approaching for the historical drama Dong Yi, lead actress Han Hyo-joo has spoken about her feelings playing the lead in such a large production. Her character starts out a water maid in the palace, is selected as concubine, becomes the queen’s faithful confidant, and gives birth to a future king. Han has had leading roles before, but inasmuch as she is portraying the title role and a real historical figure, the pressure is on.

How does it feel playing the title role of a historical blockbuster?

“I feel a tremendous amount of pressure. It’s a large production and I’m playing the person the drama is named after, so I really feel that I have to do well. Everyone else says the same thing, and if I get too ambitious I feel angry so I’m trying to work quietly and do my best.”

When you were offered the role and decided to do it, how did you feel?

“At first, I hesitated a bit. I knew that the challenge of acting in the sageuk genre wouldn’t be easy, and given that the role has me acting from my teens through fifties, I wasn’t sure I could do it. But that soon changed into ambition and I thought that I’d better not let go of this opportunity to act with such range. Also, it’s such an honor to act the title role in a drama. This kind of chance isn’t common in an actor’s life, so I decided to take on the challenge.”

What kind of person do you think Dong-yi (Lady Choi) is?

“She feels the pain of losing her family when she was young, but she lives on with a bright spirit. She overcomes adversity to stand again so she’s tough and clever, and as the mother of King Yeongjo, she has a brightness that allows her to move past her own social class. Dong-yi is a righteous person who is strong against the strong, and gentle against the weak.”

Director Lee Byung-hoon expressed strong faith in you, saying, “Han Hyo-joo has a diverse image and wide acting range, so I’m sure she will lead Dong Yi to success. She’ll show a side to her in this drama that she hasn’t been able to show yet.” How do you get along with the producers?

“I’m so thankful to him for saying that. Actually, I’m still lacking in many areas, and I feel that. Because of that, I want to throw myself into working hard, and if I fall down I’ll get back up and do my best. In the beginning, I really want to start from Dong-yi’s position. Also, there’s just one thing the producers ask of me: to smile.”

Are you looking forward to the performance of your co-star Ji Jin-hee as Suk-jong?

“Everyone says that he’s a really great person, that he makes everyone around him feel comfortable, so I think he’ll be a huge support while filming. I hope that filming with the other actors can always be enjoyable.”

I’ve heard that your haegeum (stringed instrument) performance skills are top-notch. Aside from that, what kind of preparations did you take before starting the drama?

“I’m not top-notch, and I’ve only learned the basics. When the theme song is written, I’ll have to practice playing it. I took acting classes with the director for about two months, and I really learned a lot. It allowed me to get a handle on some of the more technical aspects of acting, such as how to get into the emotions quickly, keep in step with others, vocalize, and so on. I’m thankful to the director for that.”

Many of your dramas have been successful, such as As Much as Land and Sky, Iljimae, and Brilliant Legacy. How do you feel about Dong Yi?

“To be honest, I hope it can be a drama that many people will love. That’s how hard I’m working. 2010, please give Dong Yi lots of love.”

What would you like to viewers who will be watching?

“Everyone, happy new year. Please be healthy and happy. I’ll work hard on my acting and see you in a good drama. Please give Dong Yi your love. Thank you.”

Via Asia Economy

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